MINI Countryman (2010 - 2017) 1.6 Cooper (Chili/Media Pack) 5d (2011/61) Owner Review
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Style over substance.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Surprised what a nice looking car it was. Surprised at how small it is in the back for a larger car.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Definitely not. I appreciate Mini's sporting heritage, but I'd hoped that as it was a mini-SUV that it would be more comfortable. Great looking car but just too horrible to drive. Also only managed to get 30mpg - no where near the quoted 40mpg even on long runs.
What are you likely to buy next?
Already exchanged for a new Volvo V40 D3 - gosh what a difference! Another level of comfort and luxury. Proper leather seats (Mini's leather felt like plastic), smooth over bumps and relaxing to drive. And with 150bhp doesn't feel any slower than the 180bhp Mini.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£16,500
When did you buy the car?
November 2013
Did you get a good deal and why?
Seemed a good deal - only 11,000 miles, one owner.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Liked the look of it - Cooper S version in True Blue, 18 alloys and aggressive grill. Very stylish.
What was the dealer like?
JTC600 Mini Bradford. First class - very good, no pressure. Actually brought the car to my house for test drive as I was struggling to get to them. Well trained.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Appalling. Combination of sports suspension, 18" wheels and run-flat tyres made it jump all over the place. No jump absorption - just jolted on even the smallest pot holes. Tramlining to the point where if you hit a rut the steering wheel would be snatched out of your hands. Quite worrying. Not good for long distances - aching neck + back.
What's it like to park?
Pretty easy with the reverse sensors and light steering.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Needed new clutch at 12,000 miles! Burning smell from engine when on steep hills. So bad we had to open all the windows.
What's most practical about your car?
High driving position.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Heated leather seats.
